The view out my back door today. |
They define citizenship as progressive, inclusive countries
brimming with social capital.
While being in the top 20 among 80 countries is better than being
at the bottom, the US still has a way to go. There are some relatively easy fixes considering the wealth that exists in our nation and the plentiful resources already in place in neighborhoods all
around the country. But, it is going to take some redirected thinking on a national level. National Association of Realtors® most recent report
cites 42 percent of home shoppers are searching for ranch homes. This is
the largest percentage and very telling, so builders take heed. I can't go
out my back door without seeing evidence of beautifully spacious ranches with
near to zero entry being bulldozed and replaced with multi-story mini mansions
with elevated entrances. This leaves me to wonder if any standards of
visitability are being met, or ideally, elevators and all inclusive practices
being put in place for the future occupants and visitors. I fear not, but hope
this is assumption is wrong.
The US News report cites Norway as the leader and one to be
followed, so it is time to step up the game, people of the United States. I am sharing this info as a PSA not just from the
perspective of a parent of a teenager with a disability, but also as a person who
has worked in the real estate industry for over 14 years. Needless to say, as a family we live this and I know it is through
the development and redevelopment of real estate that social capital is built
and flourishes. Constructing and reconstructing things only a limited portion of the population can fully enjoy is not inclusive or progressive, it is exclusive and regressive, period. So, this is what needs to happen, first and foremost, starting with money:
Improvements need to be paid for, so Lenders: Making life easier to live for people is going to help them be active, thriving citizens who are able to contribute to the overall economic development in a region. Not to mention, if a borrower of a home mortgage is expected to repay 100% of that mortgage over the terms of the agreement, they should be able to use 100% of the property. Offering affordable, incentive funding for UD improvements will address a need for more accessibility in residential real estate stock while demonstrating recognition of an untargeted market and the opportunity for growth.
Improvements need to be paid for, so Lenders: Making life easier to live for people is going to help them be active, thriving citizens who are able to contribute to the overall economic development in a region. Not to mention, if a borrower of a home mortgage is expected to repay 100% of that mortgage over the terms of the agreement, they should be able to use 100% of the property. Offering affordable, incentive funding for UD improvements will address a need for more accessibility in residential real estate stock while demonstrating recognition of an untargeted market and the opportunity for growth.
Government Officials: Push for universal building standards based on minimum ADA guidelines be followed across public and private construction industries and by the lending institutions funding the improvements. These minimums need to encompass all interior and
exterior components that make up real property because real property needs to
accommodate real people. These standards are what is best for the country as a whole because it will ensure projects are done right the first time and avoid the financial gridlock people will face when having to make retrofits. Plus, overtime, it will improve the health and wellbeing of the entire country which will save on healthcare in addition to reducing the unemployment rate because people will be more independent and able to support themselves once they can move about freely.
City Planners and Architects: Learn the principles and goals
of universal design if the term is unfamiliar to you, then apply them to
achieve them. Study and learn from the construction and infrastructure
projects being developed in the countries outranking the US. Make sure
major development projects or anything to do with development in general,
follows suit. This applies to transportation projects because transportation
is the lifeline that connects people so this has to be part of the planning
process with a big focus on active transportation because the more active people are, the healthier they are which benefits the country in general.
Mass Home Builders: Invest a portion of your profits on new designs
or reworking your current portfolio of home designs and please quit building things
only a limited portion of the population can live in with comfort and dignity. Raise the bar and make UD improvements standard practice instead of making accessibility features options and forcing people to ask for what should already be in place.
Rehabbers: Make sure the principles of universal design are used
in your planning process--before you spend A PENNY on demo, site work, or
building materials. Your clients are coming to you for your expert advice
and creativity so don't hold back. You will win customers and
referrals for life for your direction and integrity.
Average Joe/Joanne, DIYer: Do yourself, your family, friends and
even pets a favor and make sure each and every project undertaken takes into consideration the needs of all who cross the threshold
and not just the ones who walk in on two feet.
AND if you are none of the above, without a doubt you remain THE MOST important of
all:
A Citizen: This means you are also a customer and an end user so please demand universal design be applied. Don't waste your hard earned dollars, whether they are coming out of your pocket directly, or the funds you are entrusting to other people to look out for your best interests.
A Citizen: This means you are also a customer and an end user so please demand universal design be applied. Don't waste your hard earned dollars, whether they are coming out of your pocket directly, or the funds you are entrusting to other people to look out for your best interests.
Here is the article on the rankings.
Please share this post to help get the points across.
Amy Barnes
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